Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the month to become the new head coach of the Brazilian national team, according to multiple reports on Monday. His departure is expected to open the door for Xabi Alonso to take the reins at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Ancelotti, 65, has faced ongoing speculation about his future in recent months. During his second tenure with Los Blancos, he led the club to significant success, including two LaLiga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and two Champions League victories—part of a total haul of 15 trophies as Real Madrid manager.
Ancelotti’s next chapter is already confirmed. Nicknamed ‘Don Carlo’, the Italian will become the first non-Brazilian to manage the Seleção as he takes over ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is scheduled to begin on May 28th, following the conclusion of Real Madrid’s domestic campaign.
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues praised the appointment, stating, “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti in charge of Brazil is more than a strategic decision. It is a statement to the world of our determination to regain the top spot… He is the best coach in history, and now he is leading the best national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters for Brazilian football.”
Ancelotti is expected to remain in charge through the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Xabi Alonso to Step In at Real Madrid
With Ancelotti’s imminent departure, Xabi Alonso is widely reported to be his successor. The Spaniard is expected to sign a three-year contract in the coming weeks, with plans to lead Real Madrid into their Club World Cup campaign in June.
Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, announced last week that he will leave the German side at the end of the 2024–2025 season. He recently guided them to their first-ever Bundesliga title.
A former Real Madrid midfielder, Alonso played under Ancelotti during the Italian’s first spell at the club, and the two lifted a Champions League trophy together—although Alonso did not feature in the final against Atlético Madrid.
